MAPLEWOOD, Minn. - Police have identified the teenager found dead in Maplewood on Saturday as 16-year-old Anna Hurd of North St. Paul.
"She was fun-loving, cared about people and had a great sense of humor," says Patrick Hurd, Anna's father. "This is the hardest weekend of my life."
The Ramsey County Medical Examiner did an autopsy and determined Hurd died of "stabbing-like puncture wounds." Police are not giving any further information about the weapon used or any details about the location of the wounds.
Anna's father says he is waiting for answers, too. Police wouldn't give her familydetails abouther deathfor fear it would hurt their investigation.
Hurd's body was found early Saturday morning near McKnight Road and Ripley Avenue in Maplewood. Dispatch received a call that a person needed medical attention. When officers arrived, they found Hurd dead and evidence at the scene that led them to believe the death was a homicide.
Authorities say they are also no longer looking for a white male with blonde spiked hair who was seen near the crimescene. They are not commenting on that person'sidentity orpotential involvement in the crime.
Anna's friends spoke with KARE 11 and say they were shocked to hear the news of her death.
"I was devastated. I had no idea anything like this could ever happen," says Chandra Pickett, a close friend of Anna's. "She was one of the happiest people I knew and she always cheered me up."
Maplewood Police and the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension continue to investigate the case. There are no suspects in custody at this time.
